HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.125 2024-2026P/ PCENRM
bill 85
OHM. 482
October 21, 2025
To:
Hawaii County Council
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Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources Management
CDC
From:
Jason Higa
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CEO, Zippy's Restaurants
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RE:
Bill 83 - Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste
Position:
Oppose (with recommendations)
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Dear Chair Villages, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and Members of the Committee
My name is Jason Higa, and I am the CEO of Zippy's Restaurants. As a local, family -owned
restaurant business since 1966, 1 believe that Bill 83 will raise costs for local businesses and
families without helping the environment in a tangible way.
1. No Composting Facility
Hawai'i County does not have a composting facility that can process the containers
required under this bill. That means "compostable" packaging will still end up in
the landfill. There is no benefit to the environment. If the County wants to. ban
certain materials, there should first be a system in place to process the new
materials properly. Otherwise, we are adding costs without reducing waste.
2. Higher Costs for Businesses and Families
Restaurants and takeout spots depend on the lower costs of the containers and
utensils this bill would ban. The compostable versions are much more expensive.
When small businesses pay more for supplies, they have no choice but to raise
prices. Local families will pay more for meals, at a time when everything is already
more expensive. Hawaii's minimum wage will increase from $14 to $16 per hour in
2026, and this will already increase prices.
3. Food Safety and Quality Problems
Zippy's has tested compostable containers, and they do not hold up well with our
local foods. For example, there is no compostable container which can safely hold our
7-pound barrel of chili menu item.
4. Different Rules Across Counties
Each county in Hawaii has its own packaging rules, which makes things very
confusing for businesses that sell in more than one county. We support making
Hawaii County's rules match Honolulu's law (Ordinance 19-30).. That law already
gives businesses and the environment a fair balance and is something many
suppliers already follow.
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date O TT 2 &12025
1765 SOUTH KING I HONOLULU, HI 968261 P 808.973.08801 F 808.955.70531 ZIPPYS.COM
A DIVISION OF FCH ENTERPRISES, INC
5. Better Ways to Improve the Bill
Instead of a full ban, we suggest a few changes to make the bill more realistic:
a. Allow Type 5 (polypropylene) plastics - These are reusable, recyclable, and
safe for hot food. They are a practical and proven option.
b. Match Honolulu's rules - So all counties have the same standard.
c. Wait until composting facilities exist -Do not require materials that the
island cannot process yet.
d. Study the economic impact - Understand how much this change would
really cost small businesses and customers before passing it.
6. Conclusion
Everyone wants to protect Hawai'i's environment. Bill 83, however, goes too far,
too fast. It raises costs, makes food packaging less safe, and does not reduce
landfill waste because the right facilities do not exist yet.
We ask the Committee to hold off on passing this bill and take more time to build the
infrastructure and find solutions that truly work for our island.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Ja and Higa
CEO
Zippy's Restaurants
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